News Flash

City News

Posted on: November 2, 2018

Woodfords Corner Public Art Installed - Join Us for "Tree Lighting" on November 15

The City of Portland and the Portland Public Art Committee would like to invite the public to attend a “tree lighting” ceremony on November 15 to celebrate the installation of new public artwork, Luminous Arbor, by local artist Aaron T Stephan in Woodfords Corner. The Portland Public Art Committee commissioned the lighted sculpture with existing public art funds to enrich the streetscape as a placemaking element of the emerging neighborhood node and busy corridor. The public ceremony is planned for the Third Thursday in Woodfords Corner on Thursday, November 15th at 5:30 PM.

"I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that we are very excited to see major construction coming to an end, and I hope many will join us on the 15th as we look forward to a stronger, more vibrant Woodfords Corner,” said Justin Costa, District 4 City Councilor.

Public art is one component of the Woodfords Corner transportation and public improvement project. The installation marks the nearing completion of the overall project intended to improve the streetscape, multi-modal facilities, and traffic flow of the intersection. The project is managed by the Maine Department of Transportation who is partnering with the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS), and the City of Portland. As part of the project, the City is implementing streetscape and stormwater improvements consistent with the Transforming Forest Avenue Master Plan. Construction is expected to be completed this winter with final paving occurring in spring 2019.

A great deal of public and private interest and energy has recently gone into Woodfords Corner and the Forest Avenue Corridor. In addition to the physical improvements implemented by the State and City, Friends of Woodfords Corner, formed in 2015, has been engaged in the revitalization of the Woodfords area through events, education, and community building. Several new businesses have also recently opened in this location bringing energy and vitality. These combined efforts are turning this busy intersection into a true neighborhood node in keeping with the vision of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.

For more details on the tree lighting event, visit the City of Portland calendar or Friends of Woodfords Corner website for upcoming events, history, and ways to get involved: https://woodfordscorner.org/